Russ Kramer knew by age 15 he was born to be a marine artist. It just took him 25 years to get to it.

In the 1980s, Russ worked in the newspaper business as an artist, art director, senior editor and design consultant. He would spend another decade in the creative agency business, producing advertising and editorial illustrations, magazine and newspaper designs, and ad campaigns for TV, radio and print. Much of that time he was living aboard his 48′ Hatteras WATERCOLOR wondering why he wasn’t yet a fine artist.

Russ produced his first painting “Teamwork” which was selected for the 2002 Mystic International Marine Art Exhibition, and since then his work has been featured prominently at the Maritime Gallery at Mystic Seaport. Two of Russ’ paintings have since been chosen as cover art for the Mystic International catalog, in 2003 and 2006.

His unique vision creates ‘first-hand’ experiences for the viewer, putting you right on board during some of history’s greatest races. A sense of the dramatic moment, combined with meticulous research and attention to detail, have found considerable appeal.

In August of 2006 Russ was featured in a one-man show at the Museum of Yachting in Newport, Rhode Island, and in 2007 was the subject of articles in WoodenBoat, Yachting and Sail Magazines. That year he was also elected a Fellow of the American Society of Marine Artists, its highest honor.

Russ lives with wife Laura and son Jack in Stonington, CT.